Categories: Audrey Bernard,
The Bowery Mission has been doing God’s work for over 150 years. The beloved organization was established on New York City’s Lower East Side in the 1870s providing a safe haven of welcome, care, and healing to the underserved. The famous red doors are always open for a hot meal, a warm bed, and a genuine conversation while welcoming a sense of home and family for those with nowhere to turn through the power of Jesus Christ. Each year the mission hosts the Inspiring Hope Spring Benefit Lunch to honor women from their residential programs whose transitional home has taken them from homelessness to independence. This year the mission celebrated the 9th Inspiring Hope Benefit Lunch on Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2025, at the legendary Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center hosted by Jeannie Gaffigan, Producer, writer, philanthropist, mother of five and New York Times best-selling author who was introduced by her husband, actor Jim Gaffigan.
The luncheon kicked off with a vibrant networking reception followed by warm welcoming greetings from The Bowery Mission’s President and Chief Executive Officer, James Winans, who gave a brief talk about the important work of the organization’s programs, in particular, the Women’s Residential Programs and the successful impact it has had. During a delightful seated lunch with impeccable service, guests enjoyed a video presentation featuring the work of the mission followed by an intimate conversation facilitated by Gaffigan, highlighting how they support women on a journey to a renewed sense of purpose from poverty to stability. Guests heard from special guest speakers from The Bowery Mission: Jacqueline Soriano, Clinical Manager, Choose Help Programs; Summer Ellis, Certified Public Accountant, Retired, Board of Directors; and Funmi Adebayo, Clinical Supervisor, Women’s Residential Programs, whose powerful affirmation addressed the importance of being in the room. “…support from our broader community is so essential. The women see our faces every day, but when volunteers and supporters come in — who don’t have to be here but are choosing to show up — it sends a powerful message: You matter.”
Although the conversations were thought-provoking, engaging and incredibly inspiring, the final speaker, Edna Zuniga, 2016 Graduate, The Bowery Mission Residential Programs for Women, delivered a phenomenally poignant Story of Hope. There was not a dry eye in the house as she explained her transformation, which reflected on the care and healing she experienced while at The Bowery Mission. She is now enjoying new life and independence by God’s grace. “At my lowest point, I was alone in a city that didn’t see me. But at The Bowery Mission, I wasn’t invisible anymore,” she stated. “Through morning prayer circles, group sessions, and shared meals, I began to understand the power of the community.”
After a thunderous ovation and fundraising moment, Winans returned to the stage and thanked Gaffigan for her support. “We are grateful for such a partner and friend who cares so deeply for The Bowery Mission community,” expressed Winans. “We also celebrate Edna, who courageously shared her story and reflected on the care and healing she experienced while at The Bowery Mission — and how she is enjoying new life and independence now by God’s grace.” He then thanked the guests. “With the help of our Residential Programs for Women, the help of friends like you, we raised more than $210,000 of critical funds for our programs for women. Donations will benefit women like Edna providing a caring and safe environment where they can experience God’s love and heal from past trauma, overcome barriers to independence and achieve personal goals for life and work.” Many thanks to those who made this event possible! Philanthropic committee: Nannette Adams Hendel, Jeannie Gaffigan, Wilma H Jordan, Anna Lee-Winans, Pamela Leggett and Anonymous. Sponsors: KeyBank, J.F. Lehman & Company, MCU Foundation, and TP ICAP. (Photo credit: FRAME Studios2025)
